Shuster's opponent to speak at Redstate Gathering

A Bedford County businessman is warming up his campaign to face U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R- Hollidaysburg, in the Republican Primary Election next spring.

Art Halvorson, 57, of Mann's Choice will speak on Aug. 3 at the Redstate Gathering 2013 in New Orleans. Texas Gov. Rick Perry will speak at noon and Halvorson follows at 2 p.m.

"It's amazing what's breaking loose here," Halvorson said.

The Madison Project PAC on Wednesday aired a radio ad supporting Halvorson and attacking Shuster for voting eight times to raise the nation's debt ceiling. The Madison Project claims it raises money through a network of grassroots conservatives for conservative candidates, who are pro-life, pro-family, for limited government and defenders of religious freedom.

"Career politician Bill Shuster seems to be just fine with piling more debt on the backs of taxpayers," said the ad airing in the 9th District on stations carrying the Rush Limbaugh Show.

Drew Ryun of the Madison Project said, "Like many big-government Republicans in Washington, Bill Shuster talks a good game when he is home in the district, but his voting record reflects the fiscally liberal mentality that Republican voters are trying to change."

Shuster's campaign manager Sean Joyce said, "Bill Shuster has a proven conservative record of standing up to President Obama. Whether it's leading the fight against Obamacare, holding the IRS accountable, or fighting against wasteful spending like the stimulus, Pennsylvania voters aren't going to be confused by an outside special interest group or someone who moved to our community to try and buy a congressional seat.

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Halvorson starts his campaign with $130,000 -- a $100,000 loan out of his own pocket and $30,145 from 131 other donors.

Seven-term Congressman Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has seven times as much cash on hand. He raised $647,000 in the second quarter, bringing his war chest to more than $916,000, according to PoliticsPA.com.

"We do not expect to outspend an entrenched incumbent like Rep. Shuster, but we are committed to raising enough to win," said Halvorson. "We will win on leadership, conservative values, and the support of my neighbors, without depending on money from big government special interest groups."
Halvorson, 57, moved to Bedford County five years ago upon retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard after 29 years. He operates commercial development properties.

He spoke to the Blair County tea party on the Fourth of July: "I will fight to allow free-market solutions to solve economic problems, and I will fight to stop the government bailouts and crony capitalistic subsidies. Washington clearly has too much money based on how they spend it."

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Jim Hook can be reached at 717-262-4759 and jhook@publicopinionnews.com.